National Team
The PSIA-AASI National Team sets the standard for U.S. snowsports instruction and embodies the ski and snowboard experience. Representing adaptive, alpine, cross country, snowboard, and telemark disciplines, the team is responsible for promoting, supporting, and assisting with the development of PSIA-AASI education materials, programs, and activities at all levels. They also inspire, coach, and uplift the entire snowsports instruction profession. Selections for the National Team happen every four years. Hundreds try out for the opportunity to wear the patch and are selected not just for their ski/ride and teaching abilities, but also their people skills, ability to compliment a holistic “team,” and potential for positive impact on the greater PSIA-AASI community.
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A.J. Oliver
Alpine Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Big Sky Resort, MT
Where did you learn to slide on snow?
Steamboat Springs, CO
As of 2024, how long have you been instructing?
10 years
What are your specialties as a team member?
Technical skills. (How to be a better skier, rider, etc., and how to teach others to be better), Teaching skills., Preparing for certification., Advancing in PSIA-AASI, such as how to become and excel as ed staff. Snowsports school management, Gear tech (i.e. bootfitting, equipment tuning, etc.) related to your discipline, General professional development in snowsports, such as how to make a career out of it, Translating snowsports instructing skills to other roles / jobs (outside of snowsports industry), Mentorship, Background in racing or race coaching, Training (physical, mental, summer prep, etc.)
What other work do you do?
Bike instructor
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Ann Schorling
Alpine Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
What other occupations are you involved in?
Leadership consulting.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
A week-long group of 7 and 8-year-olds in Portillo, Chile. None of them could stop when we started the week, but they LOVED to ski. We laughed and played a ton, and they brought pure joy to everyday.
What are your specialties as a team member?
Off-piste big mountain skiing, understanding people skills, figuring out what is getting in the way of success. Gender Equity, People Skills.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-AASI Alpine Level III and Telemark Level III, and Children’s Specialist 2.
What is your favorite on-snow snack?
dark chocolate
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
Make sure you spend time skiing or riding on your own so that you can let the learning sink in and continue to be playful
How many years have you been an instructor?
23
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I tried out for the telemark team in 2012 before making the alpine team in 2016
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Bart Flynn
Alpine Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Jackson Hole Resort, Wyoming
What other occupations are you involved in?
Owner/Operator at Fitzgerald’s Bicycles.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
Learning how to teach. When I first started teaching skiing, I knew how to ski but realized I had no idea how to teach someone else to ski. Developing an understand skiing and learning how to share that understanding with others has been an invaluable experience.
What are your specialties as a team member?
Besides being a ski nerd, I grew up ski racing and coached both kids and seniors (75+) for years. I still have a strong passion for racing and love to incorporate ideas from both recreational skiing and racing.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-certified Alpine Level III with a Children’s Specialist 2 credential. United States Ski and Snowboard (USSS) Level 200.
Is there anything we missed asking?
I grew up skiing ice at Suicide Six in Vermont.
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Ben Potts
Alpine Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Breckenridge, Colorado
What other occupations are you involved in?
Farming and noxious weed management
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
A couple summers ago, I signed up for Dave Lyon’s Race Camp to expand my skills. Dave made me feel supported and included from the moment I arrived, and it was a fun week of learning.
What are your specialties as a team member?
I have always valued being a well-rounded skier, and for me, freestyle is a big part of a rounded skillset. I also enjoy the raw excitement kids have for skiing.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-AASI Alpine Level III and Adaptive Level I, and Freestyle Specialist 3 and Children’s Specialist 2. United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSS) Freeskiing Level 300.
What is your favorite on-snow snack?
Dried Fruit
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
Figure out how to enjoy the process.
How many years have you been an instructor?
15
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
Summer is my favorite season to go skiing
Is there anything we missed asking?
As instructors, we put everything we have into our lessons – so it’s important we maintain our spark through the season. Find something that helps you stay excited. For me, it’s watching skiing videos while I eat breakfast.
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Brian Donovan
Snowboard Team member
Where is your home mountain and where did you learn to slide on snow?
Mount Snow Resort, Vermont is my home mountain. I learned to slide on snow at Peek’n Peak Resort, New York.
How many years have you been an instructor?
21
What other occupations are you involved in?
I work at the resort year-round, but have spent time in the past working full-time as a whitewater raft guide and safety kayaker, as well as working as a guide and trainer at an aerial adventure park and zip line tour.
Describe a teaching experience that sticks out in your mind.
I instructed a couple who returned almost 10 years later for me to teach their son. They said the snowboard lesson had been a great experience and they wanted their son to learn so they could snowboard as a family. I realized that lessons can be potentially life-changing to our students. The experience reminds me to be 100 percent clued into the moment when working with students.
What are your specialties as a team member?
I love it all. I love skiing, snowboarding, nerding out in a tech conversation, snowboarding without talking about ANYTHING, clinics, lessons, certifications, indoor presentations… The list goes on. I get down with any of it and I love ALL of it. If it has to do with making our sports easier, more accessible, or easier to understand…sign me up. Help to write the national standards or a new technical manual? Check. Co-Host a snowboarding podcast? Yes please.
What is your favorite on-snow snack?
Jolly Ranchers or Oreo Cookies…but never both at the same time.
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
You can’t fake mileage…Get out and slide on your equipment. Get out and teach lessons. You have to practice by doing the job. That will make skills learned through certification relatable to real world AND useful in the real world.
Relevant certifications?
AASI-certified Snowboard Level III, and Children’s Specialist 2 and Freestyle Specialist 1 credentials.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I’ve entered 1 pickleball tournament in my life. I have won 1 pickleball tournament in my life. 100% baby!
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Brian Smith
Alpine Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Gore Mountain, New York and Aspen Highlands, Colorado
What other occupations are you involved in?
Residential and commercial building industry.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
For the past five years, I ski with the same client for 18-20 consecutive days every season. My client? A (now) ten-year-old boy named Trevor. Two seasons ago he and I made it our mission to conquer the Aspen Highlands Bowl hike. It was awesome sharing in the preparation, self-arrest training, talks about altitude, and route decisions and tactics for accent. With the support of a friend who just happened to my oldest daughter Ellie, Trevor successfully made the over 12,000ft journey.
What are your specialties as a team member?
I’m a former alpine racer turned tree skiing bump freak! I love to clinic on how to clinic and connecting with people.
Relevant certifications?
Former Eastern Division Board Member and member of the Eastern Division Alpine Race Committee. PSIA-certified Alpine Level III with my Children’s Specialist 2 and Freestyle Specialist 1 credentials.
Is there anything we missed asking?
I love fly fishing, snorkeling, boating, camping and adventuring with family.
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Chris Rogers
Snowboard Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Vail, Colorado
What other occupations are you involved in?
Snowboard, Freestyle, and Children’s Examiner and the Snowboard Education Committee Chair for Rocky Mountain Division. Director of WNTR, an online ski and snowboard school training platform and mountain-town consultancy. Summer Seasonal Assistant Manager, Amenities & Activities, at Colorado’s Red Sky Golf Club.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
One of my recent focuses has been on the word “control” in the fundamentals, and how that enables us to look at both increasing and decreasing performance in relationship with a specific fundamental. For example, “Control the board’s pivot through flexion/extension and rotation of the body” could be used to look at how someone is creating pivot using front or back leg steering in a skidded turn, or how someone might need to work on reducing pivot in the initiation of a turn to carve better!
What are your specialties as a team member?
I love helping others find their path in the industry. One of my specialties is using technology to support and advance what we do!
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-AASI certified Snowboard Level III and Alpine Level I with Children’s Specialist 2 and Freestyle Specialist 1 credentials. United States of America Snowboard and Freeski Association Level 200. American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education Avalanche 1.
What is your favorite on-snow snack?
Fresh baked goods at the ski area
How many years have you been an instructor?
22
Is there anything we missed asking?
Follow my adventures on Instagram: @livewntr
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Cori Lambert
Snowboard Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
Where did you learn to slide on snow?
I am self-taught, and started riding on big mountain in Whitefish, MT
As of 2024, how long have you been instructing?
13 years
What are your specialties as a team member?
Technical skills. (How to be a better skier, rider, etc., and how to teach others to be better), Teaching skills., People skills., Preparing for certification. Freestyle/freeride, Translating snowsports instructing skills to other roles/jobs (outside of snowsports industry), Mentorship, Engaging underrepresented groups in snowsports/instruction, Running special events or group programs, Training (physical, mental, summer prep, etc.)
What other work do you do?
Coach CrossFit and coach gymnastics competitive and recreational.
What is your favorite on-snow snack?
Pocket carrots, beef jerky or dried mango
How many years have you been an instructor?
15
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I taught myself to ride and in doing so I do a couple things backwards… like riding the chairlift. I’m a regular rider but I ride the chairlift goofy. 🤘🏻
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Dominique Vetromile
Alpine Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Aspen Snowmass Ski and Snowboard School, Colorado
Where did you learn to slide on snow?
Aspen Snowmass Ski and Snowboard School, Colorado
As of 2024, how long have you been instructing?
14 years
What are your specialties as a team member?
Teaching skills., People skills., Advancing in PSIA-AASI, such as how to become and excel as ed staff. General professional development in snowsports, such as how to make a career out of it, Mentorship, Engaging underrepresented groups in snowsports / instruction, Running special events or group programs, Training (physical, mental, summer prep, etc.)
What other work do you do?
Aspen Snowmass Trainer, PSIA – AASI RM Examiner
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Dusty Dyar
Alpine Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Crested Butte, Colorado
What other occupations are you involved in?
Carpentry.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
Spending several days practicing synchronized skiing for Interski. I learned a lot about the ins and outs of synchro, and modifying my skiing to match my partners improved my skills. The experience encouraged me to continue practicing on my own.
What are your specialties as a team member?
I am involved with children’s education, big mountains and steeps, and some freestyle. I truly love to be on snow coaching skiing and spending time with fellow instructors. I also enjoy offering entertaining presentations.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-AASI certified Alpine Level III and Snowboard Level I with a Children’s Specialist 2 credential.
What is your favorite on-snow snack?
Skittles
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
Take the time to learn the technical and teaching skills, and develop intentional use of people skills. It is easy to rise to a performance and think you are ready, but.you need to spend time repeating that performance untill you own it. Then you will be able to demonstrate your ownership of skills despite any distractions during assessment.
How many years have you been an instructor?
30
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
If I told you then everyone will know….. I’ve become a picky donut eater.
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Elle Matalavage
Alpine Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Stevens Pass, Washington
Where did you learn to slide on snow?
Tussey Mountain, Pennsylvania
As of 2024, how long have you been instructing?
15 years
What are your specialties as a team member?
Technical skills. (How to be a better skier, rider, etc., and how to teach others to be better), Teaching skills., People skills., Preparing for certification., Advancing in PSIA-AASI, such as how to become and excel as ed staff. Freestyle / freeride, General professional development in snowsports, such as how to make a career out of it, Translating snowsports instructing skills to other roles / jobs (outside of snowsports industry), Mentorship, Engaging underrepresented groups in snowsports / instruction
What other work do you do?
I work as a truck driver in the construction industry and work as an arborist.
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Eric Rolls
National Snowboard Team Technical Coach
Where is your home mountain?
Woodward – Park City, Utah
What other occupations are you involved in?
Director, Woodward Action Sports School
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
For me, the most impactful learning experiences are when I start out as a teacher and then become the learner during the process.
What are your specialties as a team member?
As a coach, my role is to lead the team, help team members develop, and demonstrate skills and behaviors by example.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-AASI Snowboard Level III and Alpine Level I, Children’s Specialist 2 and Freestyle Specialist 2.What is your favorite on-snow snack?
Honey Stinger Waffle
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
Embrace the journey more than the outcome.
How many years have you been an instructor?
28
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I took my L1 Alpine, then L2 Snowboard. I have never taken the Snowboard L1 Exam
Is there anything we missed asking?
I have East Coast roots, growing up in rural Western NY. Following my passion as a snowboarding professional has provided me with amazing opportunities to snowboard in 10 different countries, on 4 continents so far. -
Geoff Krill
Adaptive Team Coach
Where is your home mountain?
Loon Mountain, New HampshireWhat other occupations are you involved in?
Resiliency specialist and motivational/public speaker, chief facilitator of fun at Eastern Adaptive Sports, adaptive examiner for the PSIA-AASI Eastern Division, training manager for the Loon Ski and Snowboard School.Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
I always go back to my first time learning to Mono ski after my injury. I was a skier before, and I was not prepared to learn from the beginning all over again. The experience taught me learning is hard, and that without the right direction and input the learner might struggle and fail. My career as an instructor is based on that learning moment. The first turn is the most important turn to make successfully – after that it’s all fun!What are your specialties as a team member?
My ability to bridge the gap between the adaptive sliding sports. I am passionate about adaptive sports and always willing to contribute and help innovate so the sports can progress.Relevant certifications?
PSIA-AASI Adaptive Level III and Adaptive Snowboard Level I certifications, and Children’s Specialist 1 credential.Is there anything we missed asking?
Adaptive sports are a defining contributor to my life both personally and professionally. My passion and drive to bring success to others through quality instruction and opportunities is what drives me every day, and will continue to drive me. -
George Flynn
Alpine Team member
George Flynn
Where is your home mountain?
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
What other occupations are you involved in?
I own a bike shop.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
Coaching a client into Corbet’s Couloir. It combines mental strength, understanding, execution of technique, and creative tactics in an ever-changing high consequence arena. Watching the lasting high of them complete this bucket list item was very inspiring.
What are your specialties as a team member?
In addition to training staff and teaching students, I’ve spent a lot of time coaching racing, both children’s and masters programs.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-certified Alpine Level III. Children’s Specialist 2 credentials. United States Ski and Snowboard Association Level 200.
Is there anything we missed asking?
Born and raised in Vermont!!
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Gregory Dixon
Telemark Team Coach
Where is your home mountain?
Mt Bachelor, Oregon
What other occupations are you involved in?
Bike guiding and instruction.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
I’ve learned a ton this year working with some really gifted trainers at Bachelor. Most notably, how to build connections, deliver meaningful – and useful – feedback, and how to serve as a mentor.
What are your specialties as a Team member?
Managing and leading. As the training director for Mt. Bachelor’s Ski and Ride School, I get a lot of practice building our clinic leading staff. Leading clinics that are thought provoking and lead to greater technical understanding and technical skill development.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-AASI certified Alpine Level III, Telemark Level III, Cross Country Level I, Snowboard Level I, and Children’s Specialist 2 and Freestyle Specialist 1. Professional Mountain Bikers Association Certified.What is your favorite on-snow snack?
Pocket Salmon
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
Put in the time to practice your Teaching and MA skills. Be open to feedback. Create versatility in your skiing and riding.
How many years have you been an instructor?
30
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Jeb Boyd
National Team Head Coach
Where is your home mountain?
Loon, New Hampshire
What other occupations are you involved in?
Outdoor adventure.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
Creating an environment where my students can experiment, explore, and play, and then follow this with plenty of time for practice.
What are your specialties as a team member?
I’m a generalist, and I am open to learning new methods. I also share my experiences with other to help make the profession of snowsports instruction more attainable for our membership. Simplifying complex ideas is my specialty.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-certified Alpine Level III, Children’s Specialist 2 credential.What is your favorite on-snow snack?
SnickersHow many years have you been an instructor?
41
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I like to surf
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Jesse Yedwab
Snowboard Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Breckenridge, Colorado
Where did you learn to slide on snow?
Alpine Valley / Brighton / Pine Knob, Michigan
As of 2024, how long have you been instructing?
9 years
What are your specialties as a team member?
Technical skills. (How to be a better skier, rider, etc., and how to teach others to be better), People skills., Preparing for certification., Advancing in PSIA-AASI, such as how to become and excel as ed staff., Safety in navigating pieces of the resort. Children’s specialist, Freestyle/freeride, Gear tech (i.e. boot fitting, equipment tuning, etc.) related to your discipline, Running special events or group programs, Training (physical, mental, summer prep, etc.), Coaching and long-term development of athletes.
What other work do you do?
Landscape design & build / Slopestyle and Halfpipe coaching
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Josh Smith
Snowboard Team member
Where is your home mountain?
June Mountain, CA
Where did you learn to slide on snow?
My first turns were in Southern California at Mt High. I did not take a lesson but wish I had.
What PSIA-AASI certifications do you hold?
SB3, A2, FS2, CS2, Examiner
What is your favorite on-snow snack?
That’s it Fruit bar- They slap
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
Take your time and make it fun. Practice what you learn in training with your lessons and keep asking for feedback. Not just from your trainer but also from your students and your peers.
How long have you been instructing?
14 years
What are your specialties as a team member?
Technical skills. (How to be a better skier, rider, etc., and how to teach others to be better), Teaching skills., People skills., Preparing for certification., advancing in PSIA-AASI, such as how to become and excel as ed staff. Freestyle/freeride, General professional development in snowsports, such as how to make a career out of it, Mentorship, Background in racing or race coaching, Training (physical, mental, summer prep, etc.)
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I play Hockey
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Joshua Fogg
Alpine Team
Where is your home mountain?
Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
What other occupations are you involved in?
I am the training manager for the Ski and Snowboard Schools of Aspen, a Rocky Mountain Division examiner, and a member of the PSIA-RM Alpine Committee.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
Recently, I’ve spent time thinking about and working with how boot alignment affects our enjoyment of skiing. Fit has a strong impact on our motivation to learn and improve. People who feel their equipment works for them are willing to put in more work to improve their skills.
What are your specialties as a team member?
I specialize in how instructor training translates into transformative guest experiences. I focus on how to train future trainers in outcome-based training so that we can share our knowledge with other instructors in inspiring and relevant ways. I truly believe that we can be more impactful with a broader range of people to create a sense of belonging to the sport if we understand it deeply and fully.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-certified Alpine Level III, Cross Country Level I, and Telemark Level I, Freestyle Specialist 1 and Children’s Specialist 1 credential.
What is your favorite on-snow snack?
Hot drinks- either coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or hot cider
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
Read the manuals. If you can get your hands on older manuals, read those too. Look for what is timeless between them. Those are the most important things to focus on and will help make all of the other things make sense. Practice different drills way more than you think you need to. The more things you can do on skis will make you a better skier and teacher. People learn really well by watching and copying. We are hard-wired to learn movements through this approach.
How many years have you been an instructor?
37
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I had a radio show in college.
Is there anything we missed asking?
I’m interested in shaping instruction techniques around how people learn motor skill sports in mountain environments. The measure of a successful lesson is their excitement for the sport and ability to independently repeat what they learned.
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Justin Arndt
Cross Country Team member
Where is your home mountain?
My home mountain is Big Sky, Montana. I learned to slide at Loveland in Colorado.
Describe a teaching experience that sticks out in your mind.
Teaching a last-minute XC lesson with a family from Chicago, with two kiddos aged 4 and 7. The kiddos picked up classic within minutes, and while the parents worked on figuring out weight transfer, I worked with the kiddos on their downhills. By the time the lesson was done, both of the kiddos had the biggest smile on their face. The youngest asked at the end of the lesson “can we take these skis home,” which just made my heart sing and reminded me of the impact that we instructors have on the next generation of skiers!
What are your specialities as a team member?
Coaching college athletes and young adults of all levels; Instructing beginners; Preparing for certification; Coaching instructors to be better instructors!
Top teaching tip you have ever heard?
Don’t ever come into a lesson having expectations for the outcome or journey. You’re most effective when you listen to your student’s goals for the day before you start planning anything.
What relevant certifications do you hold?
PSIA certified Cross Country Level III & Trainer, Alpine Level I, Telemark Level I, Children’s Specialist I, US Ski & Snowboard XC Level 100
What is your favorite on-snow snack?
Pocket yogurt!
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
Don’t do certification alone! Find someone in your school to train with, and make friends within the first couple minutes of your assessment days – you can always work as a team to support each other and help each other pass!
How many years have you been an instructor?
6
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I spend my summers as a National Park Ranger!
Is there anything we missed asking?
Any day outside is a good day! I’m an avid hiker, rollerskier, 4-wheeler, camper, explorer, and (of course) skier of all disciplines!
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Katie white
Alpine Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Yellowstone Club, Montana and Portillo, Chile
Where did you learn to slide on snow?
Chestnut, IL
How long have you been instructing?
14 years
What PSIA-AASI certifications do you hold?
Alpine Level 3, Snowboard Level 2, Cross Country Level 2, children’s specialist 2, freestyle specialist 1, alpine examiner
What are your specialties as a team member?
Technical skills. (How to be a better skier, rider, etc., and how to teach others to be better), People skills., Preparing for certification., Advancing in PSIA-AASI, such as how to become and excel as ed staff., fitness content to improve technical ability. Children’s specialist, Snowsports school management, Gear tech (i.e. bootfitting, equipment tuning, etc.) related to your discipline, General professional development in snowsports, such as how to make a career out of it, Translating snowsports instructing skills to other roles / jobs (outside of snowsports industry), Mentorship, Engaging underrepresented groups in snowsports / instruction, Running special events or group programs, Training (physical, mental, summer prep, etc.)
What other work do you do?
PSIA Alpine 3 Examiner, Ski School Director Portillo, Yellowstone Club Training Manager, CARV Ambassador
What is your favorite on-snow snack?
Swedish fish
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
Embrace the process and learning that takes place while in pursuit of the certification. If you are unsuccessful, trust that learning has still occurred. I have been guilty of placing too much “weight” on getting the pin, and lost sight of the true purpose I am going after it, which is to learn and become a better instructor. So, celebrate your progress regardless of where you are in the process! Secondly, devote some true time, energy and attention towards your training!
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Keith Rodney
Telemark Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Mount Snow, Vermont/Berkshire East, MA
Where did you learn to slide on snow?
Haystack mtn Ski School, VT
As of 2024, how long have you been instructing?
34 years
What are your specialties as a team member?
Technical skills. (How to be a better skier, rider, etc., and how to teach others to be better), Teaching skills., People skills., Preparing for certification., Advancing in PSIA-AASI, such as how to become and excel as ed staff., History. Children’s specialist, Gear tech (i.e. bootfitting, equipment tuning, etc.) related to your discipline, General professional development in snowsports, such as how to make a career out of it, Mentorship, Background in racing or race coaching, Running special events or group programs, History
What is your favorite on-snow snack?
Granola bars
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
Sometimes you need to take a break and go play, so you remember why you are on the path you’re on.
What other work do you do?
Build cabinets, Furniture and do home restoration.
What’s something people don’t know about you?
I raced sail boats.
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Kevin Jordan
Alpine Team member
Where is your home mountain and where did you learn to slide?
I learned to slide on snow at Gunstock, NH. My home mountain was Nashoba Valley Ski Area in Westford, MA. Now it is Snowmass in Colorado.
What other occupations are you involved in?
In the summer, I help manage a bike school. It’s similar to ski and snowboard school but with bikes instead of boards. I also do freelance writing for industry publications.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
Teaching my children how to ski and love the mountain lifestyle. It can be challenging at times, but the reward of watching them progress is worth it. It’s awesome when they say, “Dad, did you see that?” after catching some air!
How many years have you been an instructor?
29 years
What are your specialties as a team member?
I try to diversify my skill sets as much as possible. For example, alpine, ski racing, children’s instruction, freestyle, and backcountry skiing. I truly believe that everyone has something to offer so I approach participants in my clinics that way. I may learn just as much from them as they learn from me.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-AASI Alpine Level III, and Freestyle Specialist 3 and Children’s Specialist 2. PMBIA (Professional Mountain Bike Instructors Association) – Level 1 Course Conductor. American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) Level 3 Avalanche Certificate.
What is your favorite on-snow snack?
Pocket bacon. Who doesn’t love pocket bacon!
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
Find mentors and peers who will help you. However, you have to do the work. So start now.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I did dabble in stand-up comedy. I am retired now or maybe I wasn’t that funny!
Is there anything we missed asking?
I am a husband and a father of two kids who keep me on my toes. I love to travel and learning.
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Lyndsey Stevens
Snowboard Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Vail, Colorado
What other occupations are you involved in?
Snowsports instructor and trainer.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
I taught a never-ever who came back week after week all season. Toward the end of the season, he asked me how he could become an instructor. It was incredible to see him go from never-ever to instructing. His dedication and excitement reminded me that we can all accomplish amazing things.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-AASI Snowboard Level III, Alpine Level I, Adaptive Snowboard Level I. Children’s Specialist 2 and Freestyle Specialist 1. United States of America Snowboard and Freeski Association Level 100.
What is your favorite on-snow snack?
Bobo’s oatmeal Peanut Butter and Jelly.
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
Find peers who have similar goals and hold each other accountable. Train, study and practice together.
What are your specialties as a team member?
I travel to lead training quite often but I also enjoy leading online clinics via zoom. I truly enjoy helping instructors to reach their goals, both professional and personal. During on snow training, I work to balance information delivery with ample time for participants to explore and practice the concepts, whether were focused on teaching skills, people skills, or technical skills.
Over the past several seasons I have found that I enjoy working with instructors who are developing their movement analysis skills. Taking time to discuss concepts and practice movement analysis indoors or via zoom, after a day on snow has allowed me to connect with instructors from all over our country. As Instructors practice these skills on a regular basis, they improve their delivery, and I get to watch their confidence grow. I am always stoked to hear when someone receives a new pin or had an awesome day on the hill with students because of investment they’ve made in their own development.
When I am not leading training, I enjoy writing articles for 32 Degrees, exploring the backcountry for the Winter Roots project with my teammates, and nerding out about snowboarding with my teammate Jesse Yedwab for our Shred Talks series. Check out the videos on our instagram page @shredtalks_aasi
How many years have you been an instructor?
18
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
Sometimes I stay up way too late playing video games.
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Matt Boyd
Alpine Development Coach
Where is your home mountain?
Loon Mountain, New HampshireWhat other occupations are you involved in?
Waterparks and ziplines.Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
It was at a rainy training session at Loon over 20 years ago when I realized that it is not the “progression” that is important – it are the steps you take to help create learning.What are your specialties as a team member?
Coaching is my specialty. I love helping people find their keys to success.Relevant certifications?
PSIA-certified Alpine Level III with a Children’s Specialist 2 credential. Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, Red Cross lifeguard instructor, certified pool operator.What is your favorite on-snow snack?
Beef Jerky
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
Learn to coach yourself – it’ll make you more effective teaching others
How many years have you been an instructor?
37 years
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I have webbed toes
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Matt Larson
Snowboard Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Big Sky, Montana
What other occupations are you involved in?
Papa and family man, critical care nurse, whitewater kayak instructor, raft guide.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
Sitting on a 125cc motorcycle with the goal of learning to ride. It reminded me it’s both exciting and scary to learn a new sport.
What are your specialties as a team member?
I focus my attention on freestyle coaching, commonalities between disciplines, and creating environments to coach people skills. Trusting that my actions on the team speak for my contributions. My interests include diversity in technical snowboarding skills and seeking insight to building people to have a positive influence.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-AASI Snowboard Level III and Telemark Level I, and Snowboard Freestyle Level 3 and Children’s Specialist 2.
What is your favorite on-snow snack?
Crustless PB and Strawberry Jelly Sandwich
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
Your ability to hear constructive feedback has a high correlation with learning. Exercise humility!
How many years have you been an instructor?
28
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I DIY wrench hard.
Is there anything we missed asking?
I am goofy-footed. I prefer to spin counterclockwise. I love Lucky Charms. My middle name is Charles. I wore a helmet when driving for the first six months after receiving my driver’s license.
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Melodie Buell
Adaptive Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Oregon Adaptive Sports and Mt. Bachelor, Oregon
Where did you learn to slide on snow?
Mt. Ashland, Oregon
As of 2024, how long have you been instructing?
12 years
What are your specialties as a team member?
Technical skills. (How to be a better skier, rider, etc., and how to teach others to be better), Teaching skills., People skills., Advancing in PSIA-AASI, such as how to become and excel as ed staff. Gear tech (i.e. boot fitting, equipment tuning, etc.) related to your discipline, General professional development in snowsports, such as how to make a career out of it, mentorship, background in racing or race coaching, running special events or group programs, training (physical, mental, summer prep, etc.), adaptive and other discipline cross over, or benefits to both.
What other work do you do?
Fulltime, year-round Education and Training Manager for Oregon Adaptive Sports. I focus on mountain biking, including MTB, cycling, and paddling in the summer.
What is your favorite on-snow snack?
Pocket Fish.
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
Stay anchored to your why. Certification isn’t the destination — it’s a vehicle for growth. If you focus only on passing the next exam, you’ll miss the deeper opportunity. The process is a mirror. It reveals your strengths, your gaps, and your capacity to expand — technically and interpersonally. Ask yourself: Why am I in this profession? Who am I becoming through this journey? When your why is clear, feedback becomes fuel. The track stops being about proving and starts being about improving. Certification isn’t just about earning a pin. It’s about becoming the kind of educator your students — and your younger self — needed. Grow through it.
How many years have you been an instructor?
26 years
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Michael Rogan
Alpine Technical Coach
Where is your home mountain?
Heavenly Resort, California and Portillo, Chile
What other occupations are you involved in?
I am a snowmaker in the summertime – I go to South America.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
I once spent time with a survivor of the Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 that crashed in the Andes – the story inspired the book and film Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors. It was his first time on snow since the crash. It taught me that sometimes skiing is not the important part of a lesson.
What are your specialties as a team member?
General alpine
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-AASI Alpine Level III, Children’s Specialist 2. I have my explosives license in Chile for avalanche mitigation.What is your favorite on-snow snack?
Wintergreen Lifesavers
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
Put in the work. There is no shortcut on the road to gaining experience.
Is there anything we missed asking?
I hope that our members take the opportunity to get to know this team. It is made up of great skiers and riders, teachers, and people. -
Michael Stanley
Telemark Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Breckenridge, Colorado
Where did you learn to slide on snow?
Breckenridge Ski and Snowboard School, Breckenridge
As of 2024, how long have you been instructing?
11 years
What are your specialties as a team member?
Technical skills. (How to be a better skier, rider, etc., and how to teach others to be better), Teaching skills., Preparing for certification., Advancing in PSIA-AASI, such as how to become and excel as ed staff. Children’s specialist, Freestyle/freeride, Gear tech (i.e. boot fitting, equipment tuning, etc.) related to your discipline, General professional development in snowsports, such as how to make a career out of it, Mentorship, Background in racing or race coaching.
What other work do you do?
Landscaping.
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Mike Hafer
Alpine Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Breckenridge, Colorado
What other occupations are you involved in?
Breckenridge Ski and Snowboard School Manager
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
An instructor came to me for advice on training for his Level III. We chatted fitness, technique, and planning. After four years of dedication, he achieved his Level at the young age of 70!
What are your specialties as a team member?
I teach all ages and all levels. This experience helps me coach instructors how to connect with their students of all ages and skills. When asked about what role on the team I fill, I believe it would be on the technical side of skiing.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-certified Alpine Level III and Children’s Specialist 2 credential.
What is your favorite on-snow snack?
Chocolate Chip Cookies
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
I often hear that as an instructor; one doesn’t have enough to train for an assessment. The certification is a verification that one has the skills and knowledge to be certified at any particular level. As instructors, we can improve our skills each and every time we are on the hill with our guests or free skiing/riding. It just takes a little dedication to one’s development. Find a coach to help guide you, then take that information and improve on it no matter what skill level or terrain you are working at. Moving slowly can be just as important as moving with speed. Challenge yourself to demonstrate a low-end maneuver at a very high skill level. In the same light, challenge yourself to teach at a high level when teaching beginners. Check in with your coach on a consistent frequency to track your progress. Enjoy the journey
How many years have you been an instructor?
31
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
A little trivia that I like to share about myself is that I have a first descent outside of Valle Nevado while heli skiing out of the resort. We were lucky enough to have the right weather and timing to be able to explore a run that had never been skied. The run was roughly 5000 vertical feet of untouched powder!
Is there anything we missed asking?
I am honored to serve my third term on the team.
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Peter Novom
Alpine Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Okemo, Vermont
Where did you learn to slide on snow?
Temple Mtn, New Hampshire
As of 2024, how long have you been instructing?
24 years
What are your specialties as a team member?
Technical skills. (How to be a better skier, rider, etc., and how to teach others to be better), Teaching skills., People skills., Preparing for certification., Advancing in PSIA-AASI, such as how to become and excel as ed staff. Freestyle / freeride, Snowsports school management, Gear tech (i.e. bootfitting, equipment tuning, etc.) related to your discipline, General professional development in snowsports, such as how to make a career out of it, Translating snowsports instructing skills to other roles / jobs (outside of snowsports industry), Mentorship
What other work do you do?
Training Manager, Ski & Ride School, Okemo Mountain
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Ryan Latham
Adaptive Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
Where did you learn to slide on snow?
Spicy Run, Ohio (now defunct)
How long have you been instructing?
22 years
What are your specialties as a team member?
Technical skills. (How to be a better skier, rider, etc., and how to teach others to be better), Teaching skills., People skills., Adaptive Topics, combining adaptive concepts for alpine and snowboard schools. Children’s specialist, General professional development in snowsports, such as how to make a career out of it, Translating snowsports instructing skills to other roles / jobs (outside of snowsports industry), Mentorship. I love encouraging people from all disciplines to pursue adaptive education. I tend to use adaptive equipment to help others understand how technical fundamentals are applied in a different way and then back to any primary discipline.
What other work do you do?
Raft guide on the Roaring Fork, Arkansas, and Colorado rivers. Mountain bike coach.
What is your favorite on-snow snack?
Juicy Nerds Clusters
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
Read and understand the Performance Guide for the assessment and level you are going for. The successful performance descriptors can inform and guide any candidate towards specific training. After identifying strengths and weaknesses, finding a mentor to help with feedback and guiding practice is invaluable.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I love condiments like pickles, olives, peppers, etc.
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Stephen Helfenbein
Alpine Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Deer Valley, Utah
What other occupations are you involved in?
None! I’m all in on skiing.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
Facilitating the PSIA-certification process for coaches and athletes of the U.S. Ski Team. It was so impressive to see how elite athletes can adapt their skill sets to meet the demands of PSIA-AASI’s level III certification.
What are your specialties as a team member?
High performance off-piste skiing, teaching skills, training skills and certification training.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-certified Alpine Level III and Children’s Specialist 2 credential.
Is there anything we missed asking?
Teaching skiing is my favorite activity. No matter what I’m doing (running, cycling, paddling, strength training, skating) I am considering the implications for snow sports instruction.
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Tony Macri
Snowboard Team Development Coach
Where is your home mountain?
Copper Mountain, Colorado
What other occupations are you involved in?
Chef Executive Officer and Owner of Snow Trainers LTDHow many years have you been an instructor?
28
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
I would say the first-time teaching in China. No one in my group spoke English, so the lesson had to be extra fun and engaging to keep everyone’s attention and for them to understand the exercises.
What are your specialties as a team member?
Snowboard Development Coach, I have been in involved and continue to specialize in Freestyle as the chair of the Freestyle Task Force and Co-Author of the freestyle manual as well as the snowboard certification process.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-AASI certified Snowboard Level III and Alpine Level III with Children’s Specialist 2 and Freestyle Specialist 1 credentials. Two-Time SBINZ National Team Member (Snowboard Instructor of New Zealand)What is your favorite on-snow snack?
Beef Jerky, or dried fruit
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
MA is always the hardest element for people doing exams. So when you are teaching don’t just tell your students what they need to change but take time to explain to them the issues they are having and why it’s an issue.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I am also an examiner in New Zealand with SBINZ and I was a National Team Member there as well and at the Interski event in Argentina I was actually on both the New Zealand Team and the US Team at the same time.
Is there anything we missed asking?
I love to meet and engage with people all over the world about how we can continue to grow our sport. -
Troy Walsh
Alpine Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Sunday River, Maine
What other occupations are you involved in?
Pool construction.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
When I realized how long it takes to build skills. You may have heard about the theory on how it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become an expert. I am amazed how long that it takes, and in awe to see how many skillful people are out there.
What are your specialties as a team member?
Anything alpine. I am a utility player, I flex ability to travel all over the country.
Relevant certifications?
Alpine Level III. Children’s Specialist 2. Licensed Maine guide.
What is your favorite on-snow snack?
RX Bar
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
Stay focused, and allow time for learning
How many years have you been an instructor?
34 years
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I’m kind of a food nerd.
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Tulie Budiselich
Cross Country Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Methow Valley, Washington
What other occupations are you involved in?
I’m an Equine Assisted Therapy and Competitive Equestrian Coach, and I also do freelance photography and design.
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
Watching a fellow snowsports instructor teach a 3-year-old how to snowboard. Their creativity in keeping this little rider not only engaged, but actually performing complex skills blew me away. It is something that motivates me to stay curious and give every student my full attention.
What are your specialties as a team member?
Dryland training and coaching functional movement both on and off snow; coaching master skiers, and amateur athlete’s, coaching coaches!
Any relevant certifications or accreditations?
PSIA-certified Cross Country Level III.
What is your favorite on-snow snack?
Dried mangos, a protein bar, and Watermelon Sour Patch Kids
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
Shadow as many lessons and clinics as you can and take note of what really worked and didn’t work. What are your mentors actively doing that creates such a positive and impactful experience for you and others? Take notes, get inspired, and study– not just the PSIA materials but also content from other professionals in education and in the broader snow-sports industry. Sign up for your assessments when you feel like you can show up confidently as yourself and own the material.
How many years have you been an instructor?
12+
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I build custom homes in the off season, and have extensive training working with animals, and exploring positive reinforcement and ethical behavior change procedures.
Is there anything we missed asking?
In addition to cross country skiing, I enjoy alpine skiing AND snowboarding and am delighted to be on the team with some of the best in the biz.
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Zeke Fashingbauer
Cross Country Team Coach
Where is your home mountain?
Minocqua Winter Park, WisconsinWhat other occupations are you involved in?
Minocqua Winter Park Ski Shop and Ski School, Manager
Lakeland Nordic Ski Team, Coach
PSIA CENTRAL, Cross Country Administrator
ZFash LLC Carpentry, OwnerDescribe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
When I was still a very green instructor, I taught a lesson to two kids from Texas who had never seen snow and had no idea that there was anything wrong with skiing in the rain on ice. We were the only ones skiing that day and had a great time. A week later the postman delivered a handwritten thank you card and handmade bracelet. This solidified our ski school motto “We’ll go skiing if you’ll go skiing”What are your specialties as a team member?
Hype andcoercingmotivating others to cross country skiCS2 (most valuable PSIA-AASI course), Tele 2, CC3, US Ski and Snowboard L100
What is your favorite on-snow snack?
Pocket Fish
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
Be a student of the sport and teach as many different types of students as you can. Its easy to pass a candidate that is already teaching a wide range of students and can adapt their teaching to different students.
What are your specialties as a team member?
Good vibes and deep conversations late into the night.
How many years have you been an instructor?
17
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
Crustaceans creep me out. I think they are some of the freakiest animals on earth. Where do their pincers end and their mouth begin? NO ONE KNOWS!
Relevant certifications?
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Zoe Mavis
Alpine Team member
Where is your home mountain?
Big Sky, Montana
What other occupations are you involved in?
Whitewater rafting
Describe a teaching or learning experience that sticks out in your mind.
Teaching first-time kids to ski in Portillo, Chille.
What are your specialties as a team member?
My Passions include training fellow instructors and helping them reach their goals. I also am a Children’s Clinician and love helping instructors learn new ways to connect with kids and get them stoked on the sport.
Relevant certifications?
PSIA-AASI Alpine Level III and Cross Country Level I certified with Children’s Specialist 2 and Freestyle Specialist 1 credentials. United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSS) Level 200.
What is your favorite on-snow snack?
Fig bar
What is your pro tip for an instructor working their way through the certification track?
Look at it as an investment in yourself and your future
How many years have you been an instructor?
20
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I don’t have a middle name
Is there anything we missed asking?
If you can’t find me on the ski hill or the river, I’m most likely playing with my dogs or riding my motorcycle.
Engage With the National Team
Member instructors have the opportunity to interact with the National Team at major PSIA-AASI events. Member schools and regions can bring one (or several) National Team members to their ski area, Nordic center, or snowsports event. As ambassadors for the highest echelons of the snowsports instruction profession, they educate, inspire, uplift, and influence members of our community everywhere. Their skills and passion can elevate your next event, excite and inspire your staff, or provide instruction at the highest level.
